Neptune Discs

Neptune Discs originally set out to manufacture their own discs locally at a plastic factory in Virginia. The goal was to create everything in-house—but disc production turned out to be trickier than expected. Between dialing in the plastic blend, accounting for shrinkage during cooling, and meeting PDGA weight guidelines, the process quickly became a steep learning curve.

In the end, only the Squid was successfully produced locally. After that trial-by-fire, Neptune decided to partner with a proven disc golf manufacturer: Yikun Discs. Yikun now produces the rest of the Neptune lineup, including the Nautilus, Marlin, and Splash. This move ensured consistent quality and performance without the manufacturing headaches.

Neptune Discs keeps it simple with a minimal, beginner-friendly lineup—just one disc in each of the core categories. If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of 94 drivers wondering what’s the difference between “Max Distance” and “Ultra-Glide,” Neptune’s your kind of brand. They’ve got exactly four molds:

Squid (Distance Driver) – Flight Numbers: 11 / 5 / -1 / 2
The Squid is Neptune’s high-speed driver with just enough turn to get some distance, followed by a reliable fade. It’s overstable but not a meat hook—ideal for developing power throwers who want a dependable finish without too much drama.

Marlin (Fairway Driver) – Flight Numbers: 7 / 5 / -4 / 1
The Marlin is flippy and fun. It turns hard and holds it, making it a perfect disc for newer players, rollers, or tricky turnover lines. Just don’t ask it to hyzer unless you’re throwing it upside down.

Nautilus (Midrange) – Flight Numbers: 5 / 5 / 0 / 2
A balanced midrange that flies straight with a moderate fade. It’s the workhorse of the lineup—great for approaches, tunnel shots, or laying up when you're still recovering from the Marlin’s last escapade.

Splash (Putter) – Flight Numbers: 3 / 3 / 0 / 1
The Splash is straight, stable, and comfy in the hand. Whether you’re running chains or laying up like a cautious coward (no judgment), the Splash delivers consistent flights and clean releases.

Neptune’s full lineup includes all the essential disc types, making it a great starting point for beginners. No filler, no confusion—just four discs that each do their job without stepping on the others’ toes.

And hey, if your bag is already overflowing, Neptune might just help you Marie Kondo your mold collection down to something that sparks joy.

The controversy surrounding Neptune Discs centers on their sponsorship of Natalie Ryan, a transgender disc golfer who was assigned male at birth but competes professionally in the FPO (Female Professional Open) division.

Ryan has been one of the most high-profile athletes in the sport’s ongoing debate over transgender inclusion. In late 2022, the PDGA and DGPT introduced new eligibility rules that effectively banned trans women from competing in the FPO division unless they began gender transition before puberty. As a result, Ryan was barred from several events on the Disc Golf Pro Tour in 2023.

She responded by filing lawsuits in multiple states, including California and Minnesota, arguing that the ban violated anti-discrimination laws. In some cases, courts issued temporary injunctions that allowed her to play; in others, appeals reversed those decisions. The legal tension eventually led to a settlement in December 2023, where the PDGA dropped the pre-puberty transition rule and implemented new eligibility criteria based on hormone treatment duration. Ryan was reinstated and returned to competition in 2024.

The controversy for Neptune Discs comes not from anything illegal or unethical on their part, but rather from the decision to publicly sponsor Natalie Ryan during this highly polarized time. For some, it’s seen as a show of inclusion and support. But for others—particularly those who believe it’s unfair for trans women to compete in women’s sports—it’s a dealbreaker.

In short, Neptune Discs became controversial not because of their products, but because some disc golfers don’t want to support a brand that sponsors an athlete who challenges their beliefs about fairness in women’s competition.